I wasn't expecting much from this a video game tie-in novel, yet somehow I was still disappointed. The story is confused, the characters are either bland or cliche, and the writing style's only value is in teaching future authors how not to write. Even one star seems too high.The story centers on the recently orphaned Prince Maric and his struggles to lead a rebel army to reclaim his family's lost throne (Ferelden) from a neighboring empire (Orlais). Maric is supported by a small cast of allies, Loghain, a farmer-turned-soldier (also an important character from the video game Dragon Age: Origins); Rowan, a female member of the Ferelden army and Maric's betrothed, and Katriel a female elf sent by the Orlesians to spy on the Prince's army. Other side characters do appear, not counting the Orleasian invader, but overall, its a very narrow cast for such a grand plot. We only really see those at the very top of either side and never really go much further beyond that. It seems odd that we would only get such a small peek at the war effort. It feels like a missed opportunity.Just as bad, Gaider glosses over this issue with the most confusing story jumps. On multiple occasions, within a matter of pages the story leaps months or years into the future. It feels like huge chunks of the story are missing and we are supposed to take for granted the emotional turmoil and development that these characters suffer. Which is sad because Maric's transformation is genuinely intriguing and the aloof Loghain draws equal interest. On the other side, Rowan and Katriel are typical modern female characters. They can do things because girl power, but their main purpose is for developing romance. Honestly, make these characters male and strip away their romantic story lines and you'll be left with two cardboard cutouts: a human and an elf.The villains aren't much better than Rowan or Katriel; however, I did enjoy King Meghren (the Orleasian appointed King of Ferelden) who reminded me of an over the top villain from a bad B-movie. I found myself imagining Jeremy Irons reprising his role in the awful "Dungeons and Dragons" film; awful and over the top, but hilarious.But by far the worst aspect of this book is the writing. David Gaider's style does not let up. Emotions and thoughts are told point blank rather than left to the reader's intelligence. What's more insulting is Gaider's reliance in these moments on adding adverbs like clearly and obviously, further insinuating the reader is a five year old or android with no comprehension of human emotion. Additionally, the action plods along, whether in the middle of battle or during a dialogue. A character can never just do something, another character must see him/her doing something.There's more wrong with this book than can be mentioned, and as I mentioned above, perhaps its only redeeming quality is its value as a teaching tool. As a book overall, I wish this site would let me award a 0/5. FOR THE LORE!!!!!!!That's really the only reason to read this. I enjoy it but I've played the entire Dragon Age game series. If you haven't played Dragon Age Origins or Dragon Age 2, this review isn't for you as it may contain spoilers for both games. This is simply the story of King Maric, Alistair's father, and how Loghain saves his ass. If I were to create a tag for this book it would be "thank god for Loghain". King Maric is the weakest element to this entire book- he's supposed to be charming and he is a little. I guess this calls into question precisely what makes anyone kingly when it's an inherited title- but as a character Maric is tremendously underwhelming. Rowan and Loghain are much stronger characters but again that isn't saying much considering the depth of the characters is lacking throughout the entire book. Ironic given Bioware is famed for having good character depth and it's one of the reasons why their games stand out- for me at least. At least this book gives you some good back story on why Loghain hates the Grey Wardens, hates Orlais with an obsession, and how back breakingly loyal he is to his kingdom. I think it makes even less sense that he would betray the battle of Ostagar knowing all of this about him- unless I were to say THE major sacrifice he makes by the end of this book drove him to it. Yeah that's what I'm going with. Head canon ftw. I love Loghain now more than I ever did- and I think Maric is an idiot and a total failure as a leader figure or a King and I don't think he deserves any of the loyalty that falls in his charmed lap.
What do You think about Utracony Tron (2009)?
This book hit the ground running and just got better and better as I read.
—mboots
Good if you are a fan of the game it is based on.
—Chelsea
